The Seventh Week of Easter: From FEAR to LIFE
Photo: Pastor Tom Jenkins
STEP ONE: BREATHE
Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the air to fill your lungs and expand your body. Exhale and empty yourself into the room. Repeat three times - once for the one who Created you, once for the Incarnate One who walks beside you, and once for the Spirit whose life fills your being.
STEP TWO: DWELL IN WORD
“This perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled:
“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.””
Song: Oh Death where is your Sting?
Oh Death, where is your sting? (echo)
O Grave, where is your victory? (echo)
The mystery concealed of how it’s meant to be
When all has been revealed for everyone to see.
Oh Death, where is your sting? (echo)
O Grave, where is your victory? (echo)
The empty tomb a sign pointing to our fate
The future, yours and mine, beyond the grave’s dark gate.
Oh Death, where is your sting? (echo)
O Grave, where is your victory? (echo)
Now joyful shouts of praise from the righteous ones!
The hand of God has made a way where there was none!
text and music by Steve Thompson ©2018
STEP THREE: PRAY
O Living Christ, I trust the proclamation of your servant Paul that death is swallowed up in victory. Death does not have the last word so though we all must face it we are not alone and never without hope. Thank you, Lord for your presence, your love and your power which is our victory over fear and death. Amen.
Today’s devotion is by Pastor Steve Thompson (song and prayer) and Pastor Tom Jenkins (photo)
music and text ©2018. Steve Thompson.
Image- © 2020. Tom Jenkins.
Permission granted to share with family and friends.